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Female Syrian Students Displaced by War Receive Scholarships to Study in Canada

TORONTO, Feb. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This week, the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC) will welcome its first five female Syrian students on full scholarships at its campus in Toronto. At a time when the US is closing its borders, ILAC, along with many educational institutions across Canada, has vowed to continue to support diversity and inclusivity as a pathway for peace.

24-year-old Alaa Alakel's dream is to study medicine and she hopes to get the chance to raise awareness on the women situation in the Middle East.

The five young women will arrive at Pearson Airport on Thursday, February 9 on student visas facilitated by ILAC and the Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL). Selected by DFL for their academic and leadership potential, the ILAC scholarships will allow the students to get back on track with their plans to become global leaders in their fields.

"With education, these women can make their dreams a reality," says Jonathan Kolber, Co-President of ILAC, "and change both their worlds and ours."

ILAC was one of the first schools in Canada to reach out to the Daughters for Life Foundation in 2012 with an initial donation of $200,000 in scholarships. Since then, ILAC has continued to work closely with DFL to provide educational opportunities for women across the Middle East, regardless of faith or nationality.

"The arrival of these young women is an important step on the pathway to peace," says Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Founder of the Daughters for Life Foundation. "Their personal stories of determination and the opportunities they will have to learn and study peacefully in Canada provide hope for understanding and reconciliation."

On Friday, February 10, ILAC will host a reception to welcome the displaced Syrian women. The event will be held at 3:30pm at ILAC Toronto at 920 Yonge St., 3rd Floor. Local and national politicians are expected to be in attendance, including Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland. Members of the press are invited to attend both the airport arrival and welcome reception.

About ILAC

The International Language Academy of Canada is the most awarded English language school in the world. With students from over 75 countries and ambassadors that speak more than 40 different languages, ILAC's mission is to provide the highest quality English language education and a life-changing Canadian experience.